Victoria’s premier announced on Thursday that an official memorial service will be held for superstar Olivia Newton-John in her second home, Australia, following her death earlier this week.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said in a tweet: “I am extremely pleased that the family of Olivia Newton-John have accepted our offer of a state memorial service…
We are coordinating with Olivia’s family the details, but it will be more of a party than a funeral – to match a Victorian who lived such a rich and bountiful life.”
According to Australian media, Newton John’s niece, Totti Goldsmith, accepted the offer on behalf of the family during contact with Andrews on Thursday.
The husband of Newton-John, who was born in Britain but raised in Melbourne, said she died “peacefully” at the age of 73 on her farm in Southern California on Monday among her family and friends.
Newton-John is best known for her starring role in the 1978 movie Grease, in which she starred opposite John Travolta, and the late star fought a recurring battle with breast cancer.
Australian landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Cricket Ground and Perth’s Optus Stadium, were lit up pink this week in recognition of the late Newton John’s contribution to breast cancer awareness.
